Could Eating Too Little Salt Cause Major Problems?

A study regarding the risks of a low sodium diet was recently featured in The Lancet, a peer-reviewed medical journal.  The study, conducted by Andrew Mente and colleagues, yielded surprising data, leaving the researchers questioning the current sodium recommendations.  It is commonly known that consuming high amounts of sodium may lead to increased risk of heart problems.  However, the data resulting from this study indicate that, compared with an average salt intake, a low sodium intake might increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and even death.  This raises the question: are the current guidelines too low? 

Currently, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming no more than 1 teaspoon a day, which is equal to 2,300 milligrams.  This number is fairly easy to achieve, which makes a strict low-sodium diet difficult to maintain.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the top sources of sodium include: breads and rolls, cold cuts and cured meats, pizza, poultry, soups, sandwiches, cheese, pasta dishes, meat dishes, and snacks.  The CDC released a report disclosing that 90% of Americans consume more sodium than recommended.

For this study, Andrew Mente and his colleagues studied data from 130,000 people worldwide, focusing on the relationship between sodium intake and heart problems.  Regardless of high blood pressure, those who consumed low amounts of sodium (less than 3,000mg/day) had higher rates of heart attack, stroke, and death.  Only the hypertensive participants consuming a high sodium diet (more than 6,000mg/day) were subject to the risks of a high sodium diet.  After analyzing their findings, the authors believe the current sodium guidelines are too low, but recommend those with hypertension refrain from a high sodium intake.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/310447.php

http://www.cdc.gov/salt/sources.htm

FDA Assessing a "Healthy" Change?

Nuts, avocados, and salmon are all healthy foods, right?  Well, not according to the Food and Drug Administration.  For companies that want to use “healthy” as a nutrient content claim, the FDA regulations state that a certain food must contain no more than 3 grams of fat and 1 gram of saturated fat per serving.  According to this statement, nuts, avocados, and salmon do not fit the bill, but certain varieties of Pop-tarts, Frosted Flakes, and even various Spaghetti O’s do!  How is it that some processed foods are considered to be healthier than certain whole foods?

As it turns out, the FDA’s current regulations are more than 20 years old.  No wonder many Americans are confused when they visit the grocery store!  These regulations were created back in the 90’s, when fat was the macronutrient to be feared and the sales of low-fat and fat-free products were skyrocketing.  The science regarding nutrition changes, and it absolutely did within the past 20 years.  We now know that certain types of fat, like unsaturated fats, are actually good for you and should be consumed as part of a healthy diet.  Due to the pressure from consumers and even Congress, the FDA recently released a statement saying it will reevaluate their nutrient content claim regulations including labeling something with the term “healthy.”  Looks like a step in the right direction.

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fda-redefine-what-healthy-really-means-n572426

The Icing on the Cake

Does a product’s packaging influence you?  As it turns out, images shown on food products just might make more of an impact than you know.  A recent series of studies discovered that people eat a larger portion of cake when a frosted cake is shown on the cake mix box.  In one of the studies, the image of a cake covered in frosting encouraged participants to consume 135% more calories than the serving size.  A subsequent study included a cake mix box with the phrase, “frosting not included on the nutritional labeling.”  These participants chose a more appropriate and less caloric serving size. 

Regardless of the type of food product, many consumers automatically assume that the picture on the box reflects the recommended serving.  In fact, the food packaging likely influences consumers’ portion sizes more so than the printed serving size.  Researchers collectively believe that when a generous portion is displayed on a product’s packaging, it causes consumers to overestimate on serving size.  To avoid misleading consumers, the researchers urge manufacturers to include a phrase reminding their customers that any additional items shown are not included in the recommended serving size.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160330085615.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fmind_brain%2Fnutrition+%28Nutrition+Research+News+--+ScienceDaily%29

Can Snacking Combat Obesity?

Snacking is a typical behavior for children and adolescents.  According to Craig Johnston, the assistant professor at the Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Woman’s University, it is becoming more common to see children arrive home from school and mindlessly eat.  Many factors can trigger this type of behavior, such as not having access to adequate meals during school, consuming a less nutritious breakfast, or not consuming breakfast at all.  This mindless style of eating can become dangerous and easily lead to an unhealthy weight.

A recent study shows that regularly consuming nutrient-dense snacks may help to prevent obesity.  This particular nutrition intervention study altered the snacking habits of Hispanic middle school children at risk for becoming overweight.  The children were given a snack of nutrient-dense peanuts or peanut butter after school as they were heading to the school bus.  Peanuts were chosen due to their ability to produce satiety.  After 12 weeks, the children who consumed the snack of peanuts or peanut butter were found to have lowered their BMI more so than the children who had not consumed the snack.  Interestingly enough, researchers also revealed that even after the study had ended, the children adhered to their daily nutrient-dense snack.

The researchers of this study suggest that schools and afterschool programs should no longer offer energy dense snacks that provide little nutrition.  Instead, schools should provide children with nutrient-dense snacks such as peanuts.  The common belief is that even small changes such as this one can help children make acceptable food choices, which can in turn lead to a healthier lifestyle.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/307456.php?tw

Do You Eat Your Broccoli?

Do you eat your broccoli?  How about other brassica veggies like cauliflower, or dare I say Brussels sprouts?  Scientists have shown that eating broccoli, or any of its brassica family members, three to five times per week a week lowers the risk of breast, prostate, and colon cancer.  Emerging research now indicates that the super veggie even lowers the risk for liver cancer.

            Liver cancer is on the rise due to the obesity epidemic in the United States.  In fact, obesity increases the risk for liver cancer.  Obese men in particular have a 5-fold greater risk for liver cancer.  Diets high in saturated fats and added sugars, both of which are stored in the liver, can contribute to a downward spiral of weight gain that turns to body fat, non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

            The newly published study looked at cancerous liver tumors and what effect, if any, broccoli contributes to the growth.  As it turns out, broccoli not only reduced the number of cancer nodules, but the veggie actually protected against the formation of a fatty liver.  The study’s author noted the optimal way to obtain broccoli’s cancer-fighting compound is to consume it freshly chopped or lightly steamed.  Try adding some broccoli or another brassica vegetable to your next meal; it’s an option nearly everywhere!

Source:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160303133607.htm